Funding guidelines and application info
Artist grant opportunities
Professional development for artists grant program
The Arts Council of Hillsborough County Professional Development for Artists (PDA) Grant Program provides support for specific projects that advance the careers of artists in Hillsborough County.
Artists may apply for up to $2,000 for one of two purposes:
Education experience – residency, workshop, conference
Equipment – permanent, non-disposable equipment
The grant period is January 1- August 15, and artists may apply for up to $2,000. The PDA grant program is reimbursement-based, meaning you must be able to pay for your proposal expenses and receive reimbursement after submitting paid receipts. If you still have questions after reading this page, please contact us at Arts@HCFL.gov.
Artist Spotlight
Eligibility requirements
An active literary, performing or visual artist with commitment to your art career
Able to show successful experience as an emerging or established artist
Must be 21 years of age or older
Permanent resident of Hillsborough County for one year prior to application submission and remain so throughout the funding period
Have not received any type of artist grant from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County within the last three years
Full-time, arts-related faculty in higher education are not eligible
Applicants and recipients may not enroll in, or be currently enrolled in, any undergraduate or graduate degree program during the time their funded project is in progress.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Important dates
Professional Development for Artists Grant applications will be accepted: July 7 – July 25, 2025
Grant review process
The Advisory Board meeting where grant scores will be reviewed is September 2, 2025. The board will discuss applications and announce their scores. The meeting is open to the public and all current applicants, and any artists considering applying for a grant in the future, are strongly urged to attend.
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The applications are reviewed using a scoring rubric by the Arts Council’s Advisory Board.
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More details on what the grant will pay for, who can apply, deadlines, and commonly asked questions.
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See what you’ll need to complete the application process.
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Arts organizations and artists receiving funding must display the Hillsborough County logo on all promotional materials and give proper credit for funding, as stated in the grant contract, to increase awareness of local funding for the arts and its importance. Artists must display credit for funding on their website, in social media, printed and electronic collateral by displaying the logos and/or a text statement.
Ready to apply?
Log on, create an account and take the eligibility quiz. You can start your application now and come back later to finish. Make sure you’ve read the complete guidelines here before you begin.